Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
